1. Be sure to tell something about you. Who you are, your age and maybe some interests you have. Do not give out personal information like your address or phone number!

2. Tell them why you are contacting them. Is it just for fun? Or for a project for school?

3. What information do you want from them? Give details on specific information you need. Remember, most experts are very busy people, so they appreciate questions that have been well thought out.

4. If you want to use their information in your report or project, ask them for permission to use it. And be sure to list them on your Bibliography (list of sources).

5. How do you want them to return your message? Through email? Snail mail? other? Write the address where you want them to respond on the bottom of the message. It is safest to have them respond to your teacher's or school's address. Ask your teacher where they should respond.

6. Thank them in advance for helping you. Then be sure to send a thank you again when they respond with information.